Local Guide
5 Cafes to Stop By in Okinawa and Enjoy Delicious Sweets

Okinawa, once the Ryukyu Kingdom, is a city of "champuru" (mixed) culture, influenced by Ryukyu, Japan, China, Southeast Asia, America, and other countries. "Chinsuko," a well-known standard Okinawa souvenir, is one of the traditional Ryukyu sweets, but Okinawa also has many sweets that are modern adaptations of traditions and sweets from around the world. It might be interesting to go on a cafe tour with that in mind. Here are five cafes where you can enjoy exquisite sweets unique to Okinawa to soothe your tired body after sightseeing.

Enjoy simple carrot cake at a cafe run by a couple who have traveled the world

"Carrot cake" drink set 900 yen
"Carrot cake" drink set 900 yen

This cafe in Yomitan Village takes pride in its Brazilian cuisine and home-roasted coffee. The recommended dessert is the classic Brazilian dessert, "carrot cake," where you can Experience the authentic taste of Brazil. Made with Okinawan cane sugar and carrots (at certain times of the year) and coated with homemade chocolate sauce, the carrot cake is very moist. Its simple and gentle sweetness is the reason for its popularity.

The coffee beans are sourced from a farm run by the owner's (wife's) uncle, who is from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and are roasted in-house in the shop.

A "traveling cafe" run by two people who have traveled to 39 countries

A cafe renovated from a foreigner's house. The interior is based on white and is filled with the warmth of wood.
A cafe renovated from a foreigner's house. The interior is based on white and is filled with the warmth of wood.

The concept of the cafe is "A cafe that travels the world." The owners, a married couple, traveled to 39 countries over two years and learned about cooking and coffee. Many of the menu items are reproductions of "local flavors," and the Brazilian soul food "feijão" (1,150 yen), which is hard to find anywhere else, is the most popular.

The interior of the store is decorated with photos the couple took during their travels and travel-related books, stimulating your wanderlust. If you love coffee, or even cafes, this is a must-visit place.

Comments Local Guide
It's rare to find a cafe where you can enjoy authentic Brazilian cuisine and sweets, isn't it? And the owners, a married couple, are just so charming! I think many customers visit just to meet them.
VIVA LA COFFEE
  • 住所Okinawa Prefecture Nakagami District Yomitan Village Owan 662 D-201 MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 45 minutes by car from Naha Airport
  • 営業時間9:00-15:00 (Food last order 14:00, Drink last order 14:45)
  • 定休日Wednesday, Thursday
  • TEL098-953-8728
  • 駐車場free

Crispy and chewy. "Dutch Baby Pancakes" from Germany

"Sweet potato pancakes" 968 yen. Delicious with lemon and maple syrup.
"Sweet potato pancakes" 968 yen. Delicious with lemon and maple syrup.

Located in a residential area of Kitanakagusuku Village, this cafe specializes in German-originated "Dutch Baby Pancakes." When you think of pancakes, you probably imagine something thick and fluffy, but the pancakes at this cafe have a new texture. The batter is poured into a skillet with good thermal conductivity and cooked in the oven, resulting in a crispy, chewy finish.

The "Sweet Potato Pancakes" are especially popular, topped with candied sweet potatoes, daifuku ice cream, homemade sweet potato paste, and black sesame seeds. The lightly sweetened batter has a gentle egg flavor and a faint aroma.

A stylish cafe renovated from a foreign residence

The interior of the store, renovated by the owner himself, is a relaxing space.
The interior of the store, renovated by the owner himself, is a relaxing space.

The interior of the shop, which was originally a foreign residence and was renovated by the owner himself, has an impressive antique atmosphere. The walls are finished with Ryukyu plaster, creating a warm and relaxing space. Due to its location, MOTHER COFFEE is visited by many foreigners who live nearby. The exotic atmosphere makes you feel like you're overseas while in Japan.

There are 10 different kinds of pancakes, 5 savory and 5 sweet. This is a place you'll want to visit at any time of the day, whether it's for breakfast, lunch, or sweets.

Comments Local Guide
The most popular sweets are the "berry" pancakes, while the most popular savory ones are the "bacon" pancakes. They all look delicious, so it might be a good idea to share them with a few people.
MOTHER COFFEE
  • 住所Okinawa Prefecture Nakagami District Kitanakagusuku Village Zukeran 588 MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 40 minutes by car from Naha Airport
  • 営業時間8:00～17:00（L.O.16:30）
  • 定休日Thursday
  • TEL098-923-3723
  • 駐車場free

Fluffy and smooth! A new soda with a lovely colorful jelly texture

The "Bubble Jelly Soda" will make you feel energized just by looking at it - 1,000 yen
The "Bubble Jelly Soda" will make you feel energized just by looking at it - 1,000 yen

Located along the coastline of Yomitan Village, this cafe has premium seating everywhere. There are four areas within Property: the Large Roof Deck, the Seaside Terrace, the Rocky Terrace, and the Rolling Lounge, where you can fully experience the charm of Okinawa's nature.

While enjoying the spectacular view, we recommend trying the "Bukubuku Jelly Soda," inspired by Okinawa's traditional tea "Bukubuku Tea." Under the fluffy bubbles is soda with a herbal scent and colorful polka-dot jelly of mango and hibiscus, giving it a taste reminiscent of the tropics. The texture is soft and smooth, and the pure fruit flavor seeps into your body.

A cafe with a spectacular view that makes the most of the natural terrain!

A comfortable atmosphere that will make you want to stay for a while
A comfortable atmosphere that will make you want to stay for a while

The "Seaside Terrace" is one of the areas that spreads out in a space that makes use of the natural terrain, and where you can feel the sea breeze. When you sit in the tatami room, a magnificent view spreads out before you. You will never get bored of watching the sea, which changes its appearance depending on the weather and time of day.

Listening to the sound of the waves and gazing out at the sea while enjoying some sweet treats is a blissful moment. You can also go out to the beach and take a stroll along the coast. It's a fantastic location where you can see the blue sea and sky, and at dusk, the sun setting into the sea, painting the sky a deep red. Why not Experience a soothing and extraordinary experience?

Comments Local Guide
This cafe has an overwhelmingly beautiful view that even Okinawans who are used to seeing the ocean will be impressed with. When you come here, you will feel refreshed and refreshed.
BANTA CAFE by Hoshino Resorts by Hoshino Resorts
  • 住所Okinawa Prefecture, Nakagami District, Yomitan Village, Gima 560 MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 70 minutes by car from Naha Airport
  • 営業時間10:00 - 1 hour after sunset (LO sunset)
    Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and April 27th to May 6th: 8:00am
  • 定休日Open daily
  • TEL098-921-6810
  • 駐車場60 minutes free when using the cafe
  • メモBusiness days and hours may be subject to change due to circumstances

Japanese sweets made by a Japanese confectionery shop that is closely connected to the daily life of the village

"Mame Daifuku" 190 yen, "Taiwanese Chimaki" 330 yen
"Mame Daifuku" 190 yen, "Taiwanese Chimaki" 330 yen

In a quiet residential area of Kitanakagusuku Village, there is an authentic Japanese sweets shop that is rare in Okinawa. It was founded in the spring of 2018. The storefront sells Japanese sweets that are easy to buy and eat, and are a part of everyday life. Popular items include "Mame Daifuku" made with homemade daifuku bean paste and freshly made rice cakes every morning, "Dorayaki" made with brown sugar, and "Taiwanese Chimaki" made with 100% glutinous rice and filled with shiitake mushrooms and cashew nuts.

Other seasonal sweets available include "Strawberry Daifuku" (January and February), "Sakura Mochi" (March), "Kashiwa Mochi" (April), and "Imo Yokan" (Autumn).

Nostalgic yet new: Foreigner's residence with a Japanese touch

The wooden molds for making rakugan and the brass spatulas on display in the shop were inherited by the owner from his grandfather.
The wooden molds for making rakugan and the brass spatulas on display in the shop were inherited by the owner from his grandfather.

The shop is owned by two people: the owner's family runs a Japanese sweets shop in Gifu Prefecture, and the other runs a bakery (Ploughman's Lunch Bakery) in the village. They bake and sell sweets every day with the desire to be a Japanese sweets shop that is part of the daily life of the village.

The interior of the shop, which was renovated from a foreign residence, is a cozy space where newness and nostalgia coexist. Freshly made Japanese sweets are available for takeout or to eat in, so why not try them with a cup of matcha or coffee in the bright, softly lit shop?

Comments Local Guide
It's a popular shop frequented by locals, and on weekends and before events it can sell out early, so we recommend making a reservation in advance.
YOYO AN FACTORY
  • 住所Okinawa Prefecture Nakagami District Kitanakagusuku Village Kishaba 366 MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 33 minutes by car from Naha Airport
  • 営業時間10:00-16:00 (last order 15:00) *Last order time may change
  • 定休日Open daily
  • TEL098-979-5661
  • 駐車場free

Cool and fluffy! Shaved ice that you can enjoy even in winter

"Purple potato brown sugar zenzai" 680 yen
"Purple potato brown sugar zenzai" 680 yen

This long-established zenzai shop is located in front of the gates of Zakimi Castle ruins. Their "Purple Imo Brown Sugar Zenzai," also known as "Purple Dynamite," has a vivid purple color that makes a striking appearance.

The ice contains kidney beans and shiratama dumplings that are simmered for over six hours every day, purple sweet potato ice cream, and an original syrup made from brown sugar and ginger using organic sugarcane, topped with purple sweet potato powder. The ice is crispy and fluffy. The zenzai has a gentle flavor with a subdued sweetness, so you won't get bored of it until the last bite.

The interior retains a Showa retro atmosphere

Inside the store, nostalgic miniatures and vintage shaved ice makers are on display.
Inside the store, nostalgic miniatures and vintage shaved ice makers are on display.

When you hear "zenzai," many people probably imagine a warm, sweetly cooked red beans, but Okinawan zenzai refers to shaved ice made from sweetly boiled kidney beans topped with ice. Since kidney beans are rich in nutrients such as calcium, iron, and vitamins B1 and B2, zenzai can be said to be a healthy dessert.

The restaurant has a Showa-era atmosphere and offers around 10 types of zenzai, with new menu items using local ingredients currently in development.

Comments Local Guide
The red kidney beans are slowly cooked over a long period of time until they are soft and moist all the way through. The subtle aroma of ginger whets the appetite.
Tsurukamedou Zenzai
  • 住所248-1 Zakimi, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 60 minutes by car from Naha Airport
  • 営業時間11:00～17:00
  • 定休日Wednesdays (open every day from July to August)
  • TEL098-958-1353
  • 駐車場free

MAP

Nearby Hoshino Resorts Property
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